Cold air intake, worth it?

Been seeing mixed reviews regarding a CAI on the first gens. My truck already has an aftermarket cat back system installed prior to me owning it. It’s not a true dual system but it has a resonator mated to a single inlet, dual outlet performance muffler. It has a really nice throaty sound, but i want to improve gas mileage and give the truck a bit more underhood appeal. Thinking of installing K&N part no. 63-1058. Does anyone have experience with a CAI on their first gen and is there any true benefit besides sound? Thought about a throttle body spacer as well, but they strike me as a $150 block of solid snake oil. Thanks.

 

Put one on my 10 ,No gain except a lot of noise especially when towing I definitely wouldn’t do it again but that’s your call do what makes you happy , just my two cents .

 

I have that one, it won't make your truck faster but sounds awesome. It does, at least on my truck, give a bit more mpg on the highway.

 

Had one on my 2000 Tundra, only place I noticed a performance gain was when towing a trailer up in the mountains. It killed my fuel mileage too. Went from 17.5 average to 14 overnight. It did make the engine sound awesome. In my opinion it wasn't worth it. Mild gains for worse fuel mileage. I didn't put one on my 2014 Tundra.

Had a throttle body spacer too and total snake oil. Complete waste of money.

 

Good to know. I figured it won’t make it faster, but maybe a bit better throttle response? Hoping to experience a bit better mileage as you mention, as i’m averaging about 16 now (hoping to get 18-19?) when I’m used to 22 in my old v6 Chevrolet. If all else fails, it will look cool under the hood and make me feel like an idiot whenever I pop the hood to do an oil change.

 

Hope that doesn’t happen to me, especially with Biden trying to raise gasoline prices in the near future haha. If it brings me down to 14 avg mpg I sure hope K&N has a good return policy. And good to hear someone confirm my suspicion about a throttle body spacer. Thanks for the post.

 

Yes, when you add more air to your engine you need an equal addition of fuel. I never saw an increase in my fuel mileage even if I was trying to stay out of the throttle.

 

The OEM intake box seems big enough for this engine. It is also a closed box and pulls “cold” air. I would save the money on a K&N and get an aFe pro dry S filament.


aFe 31-10053 Air Filter

https://afepower.com/afe-power-31-10053-magnum-flow-pro-dry-s-air-filter

 

The aFe Magnum FLOW Pro DRY S Air Filter that drops into the OEM air box will unleash 5 to 10 hp, but only if the exhaust is also freed up with a BAMuffler or similar free flowing exhaust.

 

I had a very similar CAI.
I took it off and went back to stock.
It did make the truck sound more throaty. I didn't notice any other change in performance or mileage.
Several times when driving off-road the friggin' filter came off the stalk leading to the engine. This happened no matter how tight I made the hose clamp. I even slightly modified the cannister so I would have better access with a screwdriver. It still didn't help.
When the filter came off the stalk it would throw a code and all the headaches that go along with that, particularly when you don't initially know what the code is to begin with.
This happened a couple of times when I was on long trips and I had to take time off from my vacation to see an out parts store to get the code read.
Also, if you are in California when this happens, auto parts stores aren't allowed to read codes, FWIIW.

 

I did not realize you had an '04 when I posted my response, I was thinking it was a 2nd generation truck.


This is the correct answer for owners of 1st gen trucks.

 

That is probably the result of you enjoying your new CAI vs. the affect it actually had

In short, the spacer is snake oil. CAIs are a mixed bag and in most cases can cancel out with things like heat soak. In my GTO I got rid of the Volant CAI for an over the radiator intake. For that car it was a much better design however YMMV

In the end, do what makes you happy! The sound of a CAI is kind of fun so if you got money to spare go for it

 

Just get a solid AFE dry drop-in filter and if you wanted, remove the HCF and be do e with it...no real gain but if you want more mpg and umph, consider headers...Doug Thorly makes them for the4th v8 4runners and they net you roughly 30whp and more mpg! CAIs only effect sound in the end...just get a drop in and be done with it...

 

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I keep a code reader in my truck, for myself and others. My truck LOVES to pop the fuel cap code every other tank of gas.

 

Great info here, definitely broadened everyone’s understanding of why a CAI is bad!!

 

What is the best reusable performance filter if I decide to go that route instead of a CAI?

 

My former truck came with it from the previous owner. Kept it on for a while.
Actually ran better when it was taken off and put back to stock.
I wouldn't waste your $$$ on it.

 

AFE Pro Dry...disregard the part number...is in my 4runner...same principle tho

 

I ordered the air flo Excelerator. I already had the Trd performance air filter from factory. You keep the lower air box from the stock tundra when you get the Trd CAI. I figure why spend the extra $300’s. It does make a huge difference in sound and performance. Here’s the part number it was $30 PT03-34079

 

Would be best to call Keith Carty directly (760-877-4234). He has a first gen, so he can answer any question. He has injectors that will increase MGP, along with an exhaust system. Also talk to him about CAI. He really knows the science behind it and can help you with it.

Thanks, Shawna